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Farmers market season underway

We’ve survived an extra harsh winter and now get to take in the wonderful aromas and flavors at area farmers markets.

The city’s largest farmers market — the Minneapolis Farmers Market at 312 E. Lyndale Ave. N. — kicks off its 137th season tomorrow. Several vendors from the market also participate in the Nicollet Mall Farmers Market on Thursdays.

There will be special Saturday Market Talks throughout the season, including appearances by Sameh Wadi of Saffron and the World Street Kitchen, Jack Riebel of the Butcher and the Boar, Sarah Master of Café Barbette and Beth Dooley, author of “Minnesota’s Bounty: The Farmers Market Cookbook.”

The Mill City Farmers Market kicks off its eighth season on May 11. Market organizers are celebrating Mother’s Day a day early with a special “Cooking with Kids’ Day.”

Other highlights include a free plant activity sponsored by Juut Salonspa, a cooking demo at 10 a.m. with market chefs Heather Hartman and Jenny Breen and music by the gypsy jazz artists Mill City Hot Club.

Author Beth Dooley will also be on hand to sign copies of her book, “Minnesota’s Bounty: The Farmers Market Cookbook.”

The market is also welcoming new vendors this season, including hand-rolled butter and artisan cheeses from Rochdale Farms, dried beans from Encore Farms, beans and potatoes from Yee Xiong and Icelandic sheep’s milk cheeses, yogurts and fibers from Stone Thrower Farm.

The Mill City Farmers Market is held Saturdays, 8 a.m.–1 p.m., through Oct. 26 on the Chicago Mall between the Guthrie Theater and Spoonriver restaurant.

The Northeast Farmers Market is holding a Foodie 4 Mile fun run June 1 to raise money for the market and kick off its season.

The run will benefit the Emergency Foodshelf Network, too.

Runners will start at the Pioneers Statue in B.F. Nelson Park, head toward the Stone Arch Bridge and then run along the west side of the river, finishing at Boom Island. To register, go to active.com.